On-song Quirke back at Beverley

23rd July 2018

Bit Of A Quirke attempts to extend his electric run of winning form when he returns to his beloved Beverley on Monday evening.

Trained by Mark Walford in Sherriff Hutton, North Yorkshire, the five-year-old chestnut is seeking a five-timer in the George Kilburn Memorial Handicap (7.30). Bit Of A Quirke’s winning streak started on June 9 when he struck at Beverley over the same mile-and-a-quarter trip.

He then rattled off a Beverley treble before claiming a first career victory away from the East Yorkshire circuit at Chester on July 14. The son of Monsieur Bond, who also won twice at Beverley last season, is reported in rude health for this latest assignment at his spiritual home.

Regular jockey Andrew Mullen said: “The winning run will have to end at some stage, but he’s in real good order. Mark has done a super job with him as I’m not sure he’s that straightforward a horse. But he’s obviously in great form now and is bubbling away nicely, which certainly makes my job a little easier. He’s got an awful lot of weight on Monday, but he loves it at Beverley and when horses keep winning like he does, they are in such a positive frame of mind that anything is possible. If he gets beat, he gets beat, but we’re expecting another big run.”

Beverley’s card also features the Jaimie Kerr Memorial Handicap (7.00), a five-furlong sprint run in memory of the partner and assistant of trainer Tony Coyle who was just 38 when she died three years ago. Malton-based Coyle will try to win the race with Maureb and Newgate Sioux, while Musharrif was successful 12 months ago and again lines up for the Declan Carroll team.

Beverley’s Carnival Racenight, featuring samba dancers, the New York Band and Rio-inspired carnival floats with live drummers, is part of the Sky Bet-sponsored Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival. Now in its ninth year, the festival celebrates eight days of superb racing and entertainment at the county’s Flat racetracks.

Beverley’s seven-race card starts at 6pm. The going is good to firm, with watering taking place to preserve conditions. Monday’s forecast is a mix of cloud and sunny spells – with a chance of showers on the evening.